First off, sorry for the double post. I was not sure if I posted in the correct section.
I will try to keep this short and simple. I got injured, got transitioned into WTU in Texas, received a line of duty and got med boarded after fighting to stay in.
During the the med-board I was receiving treatment at BAMC and I was told that because of my surgical needs I would need to get out and then come back in on a waiver. I had fractured my spine and severely herniated 3 disks with nerve damage. After about 4 months of fighting the Medboard I was told that I would have no issues returning back to active duty as long as I took a low military disability rating. I agreed and took 10% and was immediately rated with the VA at 50% in Texas where i did my comp and pension exam. This was in 2009.
2010 I had my surgery and there were major complications. I was in ICU for 9 days and now as a result of the surgery I am no longer able to have children. I have never tried to increase my rating or contact the VA in regards to the initial comp and pension exam that was done prior to surgery. I was told by several friend who are also VA patients that I should see a service officer with the DAV and see what could be done.
I went to the DAV here in Gainesville Florida and brought my medical files in with all of my personal records and he basically said he thought I should be 100%. I am not sure the process involved for increased ratings but he added about 9 issues to my file that had never been mentioned. As of right now, from the initial comp and pension done back 2009, I have 30% for adjustment disorder and 10% on my spine.
I was just curious since my line of duty is on my spine, how its evaluated so low? I cannot put shoes or socks on anymore and have lost the ability to have kids due to the nerve damage in my lower spine. Should this be something I expect to see increased since I have had surgery on it? I have 2 rods and 6 screws in my lower spine and piraformis syndrome along with a whole list of associated issues. I am 30 years old and unable to perform the type of work I use too and am having a host of mental health issues.
I see a PTSD doctor and about 5 other mental health doctors in regards to my angst, depression, etc. As I stated above this is my first time doing a ratings increase and I am not sure what to expect. I would like to share the information my DAV rep applied for on my behalf and if anyone can possibly help me understand what to expect and prepare for, I would be much obliged.
Here are the NEW findings per DAV for service connection.
1. Pharyngitis
2. Head injury
3.Allergic rhinitis
4.Low Back Pain L3-S1
5.Syncope
6.PTSD w/Anxiety and Depression
7.Epigastric abdominal pain
8. painful right shoulder
9.Sinusitis
10. Gerd
This is for Ratings Increase
1.Chronic adjustment disorder
2.Degenerative of the spine
3. Deformity of the penis
4. Limited motion of the wrist.
I really appreciate any advice, tips, mentoring etc anyone has to offer. It has taken a lot of therapy for me to admit that I need help and to actually seek it out. I have slowly lost all my humility while dealing with the VA over the past couple years and I have heard great things about the people on this forum.
Thank you